ROCHESTER, Minn. — It’s a virus that can be deadly and health officials are urging more children to get vaccinated.

The Minnesota Department of Health says only one-third of girls have gotten the Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine and the numbers are even worse in boys.

The vaccine can help protect them from certain cancers including Cervical Cancer.

Health experts with the Mayo Clinic say they recommend children get the vaccine at age nine.

“We get more anti-bodies made,” Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Robert Jacobson said. “It’s a durable vaccine, so we don’t have to worry about it wearing off. But, we do want to get the most out of the vaccine earlier, before there is a need for protection.”

He adds children need to get three doses for the vaccine to work.

HPV infections are blamed for causing about 34,000 cancers each year in the United States.